As a Greek organization you’re always looking for ways to stand out and reach new members, and custom T-shirts and promotional products are a great way to do just that. Whether you are going to class, attending an event or philanthropy or just visiting a local coffee shop, high-quality apparel makes your members shine.
Before you order these products for your sorority or fraternity, there are a few things you need to know about trademarks and Greek licensing requirements—otherwise, you could end up in legal trouble. Here’s everything you need to know about Greek licensing and how to make sure you’re ordering from the right vendor.
What’s a Trademark?
Trademarks are symbols or words that belong to a brand and are legally protected. At Florida State University™, for example, words or phrases such as “Florida State University™,” “Fear the Spear™,” and “Unconquered™” are trademarked. So are symbols such as the Seminole Head or the University seal. All Greek letters, names, mascots or crests used by fraternities and sororities are also trademarked.
Licensing programs are required for any vendor to print, produce or sell trademarked items. This protects the authorized use of Greek letters, logos and school branding as they are considered intellectual property.
What Content Requires Licensing?
While not an exhausting list, here are a few of the types of content that require licensing before it can be printed on custom apparel.
| Logo or Icon Type | Description | Example Use |
|---|---|---|
| Greek Letters | Official Greek alphabet letters representing fraternities/sororities | On apparel, merchandise, event banners |
| Chapter Logos | Specific logos representing a particular chapter or colony | Chapter-specific T-shirts, hats, bags |
| School Name and Seal | Official name, crest or seal of the university or college | Sweatshirts, hoodies, caps |
| Mascots or Symbols | Official school or Greek organization mascots | Team jerseys, promotional items |
| Coat of Arms or Crest | Heraldic symbols specific to a Greek organization or school | Patches, embroidery on jackets or polos |
| Signature Logos | Official logos of national Greek councils or school departments | Event swag, banners, official apparel |
| Trademarked Slogans or Mottos | Registered phrases or slogans associated with the organization | Promotional posters, apparel, merchandise |
| Event or Conference Logos | Logos for official Greek or school-sponsored events | Event-specific t-shirts, bags, giveaways |
| Honor Societies and Affiliates | Logos of honor societies affiliated with Greek life or the school | Pins, apparel, certificates |
| Auxiliary Groups and Foundations | Logos representing affiliated groups, foundations, or alumni | Fundraising merchandise, official apparel |
Download this checklist to keep track of what content requires licensing on your custom apparel.
Why Does Licensing Matter?
Why can’t just anyone distribute apparel with Greek lettering or school logos? Without a license, someone could misrepresent an organization and cause harm to those actually following the rules. Registered trademarks prevent people from misusing certain visual components of a brand, company or school and creating unauthorized products. It also takes away money from the organization that may depend on the revenue generated from merchandise sales.
Choosing to work with an unlicensed vendor is risky as it could result in lawsuits or expensive fees.
The Solution: Work with a Licensed Vendor
Want to avoid these possible pitfalls? Work with a licensed vendor.
Licensed vendors allow you to create fun and unique products that you and your club or organization can be proud of—without the added stress of trying to understand all of the legal requirements. It also simplifies your ordering process because they are already familiar with approval processes and what you can or cannot order.
Licensed collegiate vendors are also accustomed to working with Greek organizations because they are familiar with the approval processes and limitations for your school. They can also help you take your creative ideas and make them a reality. When you choose a licensed vendor, you can feel confident that your products will adhere to all of the Greek licensing standards.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Greek Licensing
Before you place an order for custom promotional products or apparel for your organization or group, you need to understand the rules and requirements for your school.
For example, for Florida State University, here are common do’s and don’ts you need to keep in mind.
Most schools also require approval for every design and product by a licensing department. While the process may vary, Florida State University recommends beginning the approval process at least one month in advance.
As you’re choosing a vendor and ordering your custom apparel or promotional products, make sure you and your vendor plan ahead to ensure that your order arrives in time for your fundraiser or event.
How to Tell If an Item is Properly Licensed
If you’re not sure whether an apparel item has gone through the proper licensing process, there are a few things to look for. You want to see holographic labels, stickers or tags that indicate that something was produced by a licensed vendor. Many sorority and fraternity programs require these to show it passed the trademark approval process.
If an item seems iffy, look out for these red flags.
Greek Licensing Red Flags: How to Spot the Dupes
| No Mention of Licensing | The seller or site doesn’t reference licensing, approvals or official vendors. |
| Generic or Misleading Branding | Using misspellings, altered Greek letters or intentionally vague terms to avoid licensing fees. |
| Too-Good-to-Be-True Pricing | Significantly lower pricing than other vendors may indicate unlicensed production and poor-quality materials |
| No Approval Process Required | If a vendor says you can print anything with school or Greek logos without going through an approval, that’s a major red flag. |
| Poor Print Quality or Incorrect Logos | Unlicensed vendors often use outdated logos or incorrect color schemes, fonts, or iconography. |
| Bulk Orders Without Questions | A vendor that allows bulk orders with copyrighted logos without verification or questions about licensing likely isn’t legit. |
Confirming that you are working with a licensed vendor before placing an order will save you time, effort and even potential legal trouble.
Full Press Apparel: Full-Service Greek and FSU-Licensed Solution
The best way to make sure you’re following licensing and trademark regulations is to ask the experts. Based in Tallahassee, Full Press Apparel is a full-service Greek and FSU-licensed vendor known for transforming creative ideas into reality. You can find samples of our work with Greek licensing and student organizations on our website and on Instagram.
Ready to get started? Contact us online, call 850-222-1003 or text 850-378-4313 to talk to our expert team.
